Dear reader,

Our previous InsightOut newsletter centred on the responsibility demanded of and for individuals, institutions and companies. Challenges facing society as a whole entail risks, but should also be seen as opportunities. Stance goes hand in hand with responsibility. In our multi-faceted and fast-moving world, the issue of stance on any matter does not merely convey identity. Ideally, it is closely linked to a person’s values and thus rarely negotiable, providing comfort and orientation – and of course credibility. We are seeing time and again what happens when individuals and institutions define stance as a pliable term open to interpretation. These days, the public no longer forgives a trimming of one’s sails to every wind, and we must also ask ourselves: are we taking a real stance – or simply expressing an opinion that is currently in vogue?  By the way – in case of doubt, silence is the wiser choice. Taking a stance does not mean jumping through every hoop.

Obviously, there are self-evident values which all of us should stand up for at all times. In our pluralistic world, respect and tolerance should be part of every individual’s and company’s set of values. At Deutsche Börse, more than 10,000 employees at over 60 locations worldwide stand up for these values every day, enabling us to collaboratively create a foundation for secure, stable and transparent capital markets. Our stance is therefore a factor of business success, which in turn contributes to a stable overall economy.

Guests of our Equity Forum, currently held in Frankfurt, may get a taste of our clear approach. As one of the largest events in the field of equity and debt financing via the stock exchange, the Forum offers ample opportunity for capital-seeking companies, institutional investors and analysts to come together in conversation. 

I hope the rest of the year brings you deceleration and an opportunity to recharge. For some of us, it is a stressful time – and many are no doubt already planning for 2023. As with everything in life, the rule is: stay calm and take a stance! 

I wish you tranquillity for these remaining weeks and an excellent start into the New Year.  

Kind regards,
Oliver Frischemeier
Head of Corporate Communications & Engagement